'Quality Of Journalism Has Gone Down': Rohit Sharma Slams Scribes, Commentators

News18

08-05-2025

Last Updated:
India ODI skipper Rohit Sharma has criticised media for prioritising views over cricket analysis.
India ODI skipper Rohit Sharma, who announced his Test retirement on Wednesday, has taken a massive dig at reporters and commentators, saying that the quality of journalism has gone down and there is no discussion on tactics and analysis, rather focusing more on garnering views.
Rohit said that the current state of commentary in India is a disservice to genuine cricket lovers who are eager to deepen their understanding of cricket.
Rohit accused Indian broadcasters of focusing on a single star player and discussing his personal life, rather than appreciating the cricket itself.
'You guys are focused on creating controversy, on blowing up news. The quality of journalism has gone down. Earlier, conversations would revolve around cricket. Now, it's all about getting views, likes, and making more people read your articles," Rohit said while speaking to journalist Vimal Kumar.
'Very little is written or spoken about the game itself. Tactics, analysis, it's all missing. When there's a match on, we watch it on TV. But listen to how commentators speak these days," Rohit added.
The India ODI captain isn't the sole senior player to have voiced concerns about the standard of commentary in India. Ace India batter Virat Kohli has been critical as well in the past.
'Yes, things have sometimes gone out of our hands, and we haven't performed well. We fully deserve criticism for that. Yes, we didn't do well against New Zealand at home, so yes, criticise us," Rohit said.
'But there's a way to criticise people. I think here, it's agenda-driven criticism. That's not likeable," Rohit added.
Meanwhile, the man who handed the India ODI captain his Test cap marvelled at his growth in the format, while the bunch which bloomed under his captaincy called Rohit a talismanic presence in the dressing room.
The 38-year-old India ODI skipper announced his retirement from Tests on Wednesday, having represented India in 67 matches in which he led in 24.
Rohit will next be seen in action when the Mumbai Indians take on the Punjab Kings on Sunday, May 11 in Ahmedabad, a fixture which was shifted from Dharamsala due to the closure of airports across multiple venues in North India due to India-Pakistan cross-border tensions.
First Published:
May 08, 2025, 15:24 IST